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Animal Services events

Rochester Animal Services is involved in a variety of outreach and educational programs. As our mission states, we are committed to making the Rochester community safe for its human and non-human residents. Although enforcement is a component of our operations, education and training are also essential. That means providing educational programs for the community and pursuing ongoing training for our animal care and control personnel. 

Upcoming offsite adoption events

Come see our cats and dogs outside the shelter environment and a time/location that may be more convenient for you. Adoption fees apply unless noted otherwise. In some cases, you will be able to bring your new friend home directly from the event. See the events below for more details. Please remember to bring a pet carrier, or leash and collar, so you can transport your pet home safely.

Upcoming adoption specials  

These one-day events apply to all cats and dogs that are available for adoption on the event date and are made possible by support from Petco Love. Adopters can have their names added to wait lists for stray animals with holding periods that expire after the event date, but such animals will not be included in the fee waiver. For more information, visit Pet Adoption Program.

Please remember to bring a pet carrier to ensure that cats can leave on the scheduled release date and make it to their new homes safely.

The Fast & The Furriest® 5K, 10K, Dog Walk, & Pet Fest

logo of fast and the furriest

Join us on the first Saturday of June for our major annual fundraiser to benefit Animal Services. The event includes 10K and 5K races, a dog walk, free vaccination-microchip clinic, pet contests, live music, food vendors, exhibitors, local rescue organizations, and discounted adoptions. 

This annual charity fundraiser is organized by the City of Rochester Animal Services and the Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS), a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization established to help support the mission and programs of Animal Services through fundraising and promotion. 

The event raises awareness about the City's animal shelter and its programs and helps boost adoptions and volunteer recruitment.  Additionally, the funds raised help support critical programs including spay/neuter, pet adoption, foster care, shelter enrichment and canine play yard, community outreach, and improved animal care at the shelter. 
If you are interested in getting involved with the event, contact us at info@vsas.org.  

Free canine vaccine clinics

Rochester Animal Services periodically holds free canine DAAP (Distemper/Parvovirus) vaccine clinics (does not include rabies vaccine). Please see the upcoming dates/times below. The vaccine clinics are held in parking lot C (by the blue storage bins) of the Rochester Community Sports Complex. Enter the parking lot at 448 Smith Street.   

The vaccine clinic is available to City of Rochester Resident dogs only. Dogs must be on a leash and only one dog per person. The line for vaccines will be closed 1/2 hour before ending. Dog DAAP (Distemper/Parvovirus) vaccinations only. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED. 

Upcoming vaccine dates/times:

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We would like to thank Petco Love for donating the vaccines for our clinic and helping us support the well-being and safety of our pets!

Any questions, please contact Rochester Animal Services by calling 585 -428-7008 or by email.

October is Adopt-A-Dog Month 

In celebration of American Humane Association’s national Adopt‐A‐Dog Month this October, Rochester Animal Services is asking prospective pet owners the question: What can an adopted dog bring to your life? 

There are as many responses to that question as there are dogs in this world. Whether you want an exercise buddy, a best friend for your child, a partner in agility competitions, a constant companion for an aging parent, or simply a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work, an adopted dog can be all of these — and more. Adopt‐A‐Dog Month is the perfect time for people to adopt a shelter dog and experience the joy of finding their own answers.

If you’re thinking about bringing an adopted dog into your family, here are some things to consider:

  • Like children, dogs are completely dependent on their owners for all their needs — food, water, medical attention, exercise, shelter and, most important, companionship. But unlike children, dogs will never learn to pour themselves a drink, fix breakfast or clean up after themselves. Opening your home to a dog can be highly rewarding, as long as you understand and accept the daily responsibilities and routines that come with owning a dog.
  • The qualities and personality you want in a dog are more important than size and appearance. For example, an older shepherd mix might do better than an energetic terrier in an apartment. Very often the pet that has the characteristics you’re looking for will come in an unexpected package.

Rochester Animal Services has dogs of every type, size, age and personality waiting for loving homes. The shelter is located near downtown Rochester at 184 Verona Street just north of Kodak and Frontier Field.  Parking is free and can be accessed from Verona Street or from North Plymouth Avenue.  For more information contact the shelter at 428-7274 or visit us online at www.rochesteranimalservices.com. 

Dog Bite Prevention Program

Provided upon request. Learn the do's and don'ts around dogs. We can cater these programs to school groups, utility workers, visiting nurses, social workers, parole and probation officers, postal carriers, and others as appropriate. Please call our office at (585) 428-7274 or email us to schedule a program at the animal shelter or at your school, workplace, or neighborhood association.

Weekend adoptions at Pet Stores

We bring adoptable animals to the following pet stores on a semi-regular basis:

  • Pet Supplies Plus - Webster 

Visit VSAS - Events or contact each store directly to find out the schedule for upcoming adoption events at these locations.